Switchgrass as a bioenergy feedstock: advances in breeding and genomics research

TECHNOLOGY ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 03 (02n03) ◽  
pp. 127-140
Author(s):  
H.S. Bhandari ◽  
A.M. Missaoui ◽  
J.H. Bouton ◽  
M.C. Saha
Keyword(s):  
Panicum Virgatum ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Department Of Energy ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Biomass Feedstock ◽  
Bioenergy Feedstock ◽  
Disomic Inheritance ◽  
Genomics Research

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L), a native perennial of the North American prairie, possesses high biomass yield potential in marginal environments with limited input. It is an outcrossing tetraploid (2n = 4x = 36) with disomic inheritance. Previous research on cultivar improvement was focused primarily on herbage yield and forage digestibility. The decision of the U.S. Department of Energy Biomass Feedstock Development Program (NFDP) to develop switchgrass as a lignocellulosic bioenergy feedstock in the USA in the 1990s prompted a growing motivation for breeding and genomics research. The species is in early stages of domestication and current cultivars include mostly early releases for forage use that were selected directly from collected strains. Recent releases specifically for biomass feedstock have undergone one or two cycles of selection. As an outcrossing self-incompatible species, switchgrass possesses ample genetic diversity both between and within native populations. Conventional population improvement approaches such as recurrent restricted phenotypic selection (RRPS) are effective in improving forage yield and digestibility. Hybrids between different populations also demonstrated heterosis for key feedstock traits. However, genetic gains per year from selection using conventional approaches are low due to perennial growth habit and low heritability of important traits. Genomic approaches could be helpful in improving selection gain. Significant efforts have been placed in developing genomics resources. Genetic linkage maps were published and a large number of DNA-based markers were developed. Whole-genome sequencing is near completion, and the genetic bases of inheritance of key feedstock traits are being investigated. New insights into the molecular mechanisms will enable tailoring more efficient cultivar breeding approaches in the future.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Yield and Quality of Three Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) Genotypes

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 107-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
M H Rahman ◽  
M M Alam Patwary ◽  
H Barua ◽  
S Nahar ◽  
Abu Noman Faruq Ahmmed
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Research ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Maximum Weight ◽  
Yield And Quality ◽  
Maturity Period ◽  
Minimum Number ◽  
Overall Performance

Yield and quality performances of three jackfruit genotypes were studied at the Agricultural Research Station, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Pahartali, Chittagong during 2013-2014. Age, growth, maturity period, yield potential and also qualitative characteristics were compared among them.  Based on overall performance with respect to bearing potential, maturity period, fruit and bulb characters, the genotypes AHPah-1 have been found promising for table purpose followed by AHPah-2 and AHPah-3. Minimum days (117) to 1st harvest were observed in AHPah-1. The number of fruits per plant was exceedingly higher (73) in AHPah-1 whereas minimum number (41) was found in AHPah-2. Maximum weight (8.40 kg) per fruit was observed in AHPah-2 and minimum was in AHPah-1(3.40 kg).  The highest single fruit length (37.25cm) was found in AHPah-2 and breadth (27.00cm) was produced by AHPah-3. Maximum number of bulbs (116) was produced in AHPah-1, whereas minimum (63.00) was in AHPah-3. Maximum weight of bulbs per fruit (4.24 kg) was produced in AHPah-2. Individual bulb weight was higher (54.42g) in AHPah -2 whereas, the lowest (16.71) was in AHPah-1. Edible portion was higher (69.27%) in AHPah-1 whereas, the lowest (53.43%) was in AHPah-3. The TSS was the highest (21.00%) in AHPah-1. The highest bulb length and breadth was found in AHPah-3. Highest seeds weight (639g) was produced in AHPah-2. Individual seed weight (8.19 g) was higher in AHPah-2. Therefore, the genotypes can be included in the variety development program after comparing with the already BARI released jackfruit variety.The Agriculturists 2016; 14(1) 107-111

scholarly journals Genetic Variation for Biomass Yield and Predicted Genetic Gain in Lowland Switchgrass “Kanlow”

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1845
Author(s):  
Santosh Nayak ◽  
Hem Bhandari ◽  
Carl Sams ◽  
Virginia Sykes ◽  
Haileab Hilafu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Variation ◽  
Genetic Gain ◽  
Panicum Virgatum ◽  
Biomass Yield ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Perennial Grass ◽  
Warm Season ◽  
Narrow Sense ◽  
Bioenergy Feedstock ◽  
Narrow Sense Heritability

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a warm-season, perennial grass valued as a promising candidate species for bioenergy feedstock production. Biomass yield is the most important trait for any bioenergy feedstock. This study was focused on understanding the genetics underlying biomass yield and feedstock quality traits in a “Kanlow” population. The objectives of this study were to (i) assess genetic variation (ii) estimate the narrow sense heritability, and (iii) predict genetic gain per cycle of selection for biomass yield and the components of lignocelluloses. Fifty-four Kanlow half-sib (KHS) families along with Kanlow check were planted in a randomized complete block design with three replications at two locations in Tennessee: Knoxville and Crossville. The data were recorded for two consecutive years: 2013 and 2014. The result showed a significant genetic variation for biomass yield (p < 0.05), hemicellulose concentration (p < 0.05), and lignin concentration (p < 0.01). The narrow sense heritability estimates for biomass yield was very low (0.10), indicating a possible challenge to improve this trait. A genetic gain of 16.5% is predicted for biomass yield in each cycle of selection by recombining parental clones of 10% of superior progenies.

Advanced Research and Technology Development Fossil Energy Materials Program

1988 ◽  
Vol 110 (4) ◽  
pp. 670-676
Author(s):  
R. R. Judkins ◽  
R. A. Bradley
Keyword(s):  
Technology Development ◽  
National Laboratory ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Ceramic Composites ◽  
Department Of Energy ◽  
Energy Materials ◽  
Alloy Development ◽  
Fossil Energy ◽  
Oak Ridge ◽  
Research Activities

The Advanced Research and Technology Development (AR&TD) Fossil Energy Materials Program is a multifaceted materials research and development program sponsored by the Office of Fossil Energy of the U.S. Department of Energy. The program is administered by the Office of Technical Coordination. In 1979, the Office of Fossil Energy assigned responsibilities for this program to the DOE Oak Ridge Operations Office (ORO) as the lead field office and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) as the lead national laboratory. Technical activities on the program are divided into three research thrust areas: structural ceramic composites, alloy development and mechanical properties, and corrosion and erosion of alloys. In addition, assessments and technology transfer are included in a fourth thrust area. This paper provides information on the structure of the program and summarizes some of the major research activities.

scholarly journals Enhanced Expression of QTL qLL9/DEP1 Facilitates the Improvement of Leaf Morphology and Grain Yield in Rice

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 866 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xue Fu ◽  
Jing Xu ◽  
Mengyu Zhou ◽  
Minmin Chen ◽  
Lan Shen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Molecular Design ◽  
Flag Leaf ◽  
Leaf Shape ◽  
Leaf Length ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Global Food Security ◽  
Germplasm Collections ◽  
Introgressed Segment

In molecular breeding of super rice, it is essential to isolate the best quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and genes of leaf shape and explore yield potential using large germplasm collections and genetic populations. In this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was used, which was derived from a cross between the following parental lines: hybrid rice Chunyou84, that is, japonica maintainer line Chunjiang16B (CJ16); and indica restorer line Chunhui 84 (C84) with remarkable leaf morphological differences. QTLs mapping of leaf shape traits was analyzed at the heading stage under different environmental conditions in Hainan (HN) and Hangzhou (HZ). A major QTL qLL9 for leaf length was detected and its function was studied using a population derived from a single residual heterozygote (RH), which was identified in the original population. qLL9 was delimitated to a 16.17 kb region flanked by molecular markers C-1640 and C-1642, which contained three open reading frames (ORFs). We found that the candidate gene for qLL9 is allelic to DEP1 using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), sequence comparison, and the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-associated Cas9 nuclease (CRISPR/Cas9) genome editing techniques. To identify the effect of qLL9 on yield, leaf shape and grain traits were measured in near isogenic lines (NILs) NIL-qLL9CJ16 and NIL-qLL9C84, as well as a chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL) CSSL-qLL9KASA with a Kasalath introgressed segment covering qLL9 in the Wuyunjing (WYJ) 7 backgrounds. Our results showed that the flag leaf lengths of NIL-qLL9C84 and CSSL-qLL9KASA were significantly different from those of NIL-qLL9CJ16 and WYJ 7, respectively. Compared with NIL-qLL9CJ16, the spike length, grain size, and thousand-grain weight of NIL-qLL9C84 were significantly higher, resulting in a significant increase in yield of 15.08%. Exploring and pyramiding beneficial genes resembling qLL9C84 for super rice breeding could increase both the source (e.g., leaf length and leaf area) and the sink (e.g., yield traits). This study provides a foundation for future investigation of the molecular mechanisms underlying the source–sink balance and high-yield potential of rice, benefiting high-yield molecular design breeding for global food security.

scholarly journals Comprehensive anatomic ontologies for lung development: A comparison of alveolar formation and maturation within mouse and human lung

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huaqin Pan ◽  
◽  
Gail H. Deutsch ◽  
Susan E. Wert ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Development ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Human Lung ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Data Annotation ◽  
Blood Institute ◽  
Human Lungs ◽  
Architectural Organization ◽  
Alveolar Formation

Abstract Background Although the mouse is widely used to model human lung development, function, and disease, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in alveolarization of the peripheral lung is incomplete. Recently, the Molecular Atlas of Lung Development Program (LungMAP) was funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute to develop an integrated open access database (known as BREATH) to characterize the molecular and cellular anatomy of the developing lung. To support this effort, we designed detailed anatomic and cellular ontologies describing alveolar formation and maturation in both mouse and human lung. Description While the general anatomic organization of the lung is similar for these two species, there are significant variations in the lung’s architectural organization, distribution of connective tissue, and cellular composition along the respiratory tract. Anatomic ontologies for both species were constructed as partonomic hierarchies and organized along the lung’s proximal-distal axis into respiratory, vascular, neural, and immunologic components. Terms for developmental and adult lung structures, tissues, and cells were included, providing comprehensive ontologies for application at varying levels of resolution. Using established scientific resources, multiple rounds of comparison were performed to identify common, analogous, and unique terms that describe the lungs of these two species. Existing biological and biomedical ontologies were examined and cross-referenced to facilitate integration at a later time, while additional terms were drawn from the scientific literature as needed. This comparative approach eliminated redundancy and inconsistent terminology, enabling us to differentiate true anatomic variations between mouse and human lungs. As a result, approximately 300 terms for fetal and postnatal lung structures, tissues, and cells were identified for each species. Conclusion These ontologies standardize and expand current terminology for fetal and adult lungs, providing a qualitative framework for data annotation, retrieval, and integration across a wide variety of datasets in the BREATH database. To our knowledge, these are the first ontologies designed to include terminology specific for developmental structures in the lung, as well as to compare common anatomic features and variations between mouse and human lungs. These ontologies provide a unique resource for the LungMAP, as well as for the broader scientific community.

Forage yield potential of alfalfa plants of varying crown size from old stands

1998 ◽  
Vol 117 (3) ◽  
pp. 251-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. A. Kimbeng ◽  
E. T. Bingham
Keyword(s):  
Forage Yield ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
Crown Size

scholarly journals Silica Production across Candidate Lignocellulosic Biorefinery Feedstocks

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 82
Author(s):  
Yifeng Xu ◽  
Nick Porter ◽  
Jamie L. Foster ◽  
James P. Muir ◽  
Paul Schwab ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pearl Millet ◽  
Panicum Virgatum ◽  
Pennisetum Glaucum ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Neutral Detergent Fiber ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Energy Cane ◽  
Lignocellulosic Feedstocks ◽  
Sunn Hemp

Biofuels produced from non-food lignocellulosic feedstocks have the potential to replace a significant percentage of fossil fuels via high yield potential and suitability for cultivation on marginal lands. Commercialization of dedicated lignocellulosic crops into single biofuels, however, is hampered by conversion technology costs and decreasing oil prices. Integrated biorefinery approaches, where value-added chemicals are produced in conjunction with biofuels, offer significant potential towards overcoming this economic disadvantage. In this study, candidate lignocellulosic feedstocks were evaluated for their potential biomass and silica yields. Feedstock entries included pearl millet-napiergrass (“PMN”; Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br. × P. purpureum Schumach.), napiergrass (P. purpureum Schumach.), annual sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench), pearl millet (P. glaucum [L.] R. Br.), perennial sorghum (Sorghum spp.), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.), giant miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus J.M. Greef and Deuter), and energy cane (Saccharum spp.). Replicated plots were planted at three locations and characterized for biomass yield, chemical composition including hemicellulose, cellulose, acid detergent lignin (ADL), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), crude protein (CP), and silica concentration. The PMN, napiergrass, energy cane, and sunn hemp had the highest biomass yields. They were superior candidates for ethanol production due to high cellulose and hemicellulose content. They also had high silica yield except for sunn hemp. Silica yield among feedstock entries ranged from 41 to 3249 kg ha−1. Based on high bioethanol and biosilica yield potential, PMN, napiergrass, and energy cane are the most promising biorefinery feedstock candidates for improving biofuel profitability.

scholarly journals Effect of Biogas Digestate and Mineral Fertilisation on the Soil Properties and Yield and Nutritional Value of Switchgrass Forage

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 490
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Głowacka ◽  
Bogdan Szostak ◽  
Renata Klebaniuk
Keyword(s):  
Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Panicum Virgatum ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Organic Matter Content ◽  
Application Rate ◽  
Matter Content ◽  
Forage Yield ◽  
Biogas Digestate ◽  
Green Fodder ◽  
Silty Loam

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a three-year application of digestate from an agricultural biogas plant on the physicochemical properties of highly acidic pHKCl 4.4 ± 0.23, silty loam soils with low macronutrient content and on the yield and nutritional value of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) biomass harvested for green fodder. The experiment included the following treatments: (1) O (control)—no fertilisation, (2) NPK—mineral fertilisation with (in kg ha−1) 150 N, 53.0 P and 105 K, (3) biogas digestate at 30 m3 ha−1 and (4) biogas digestate at 60 m3 ha−1. The higher application rate of biogas digestate significantly reduced soil acidity to pHKCl 4.9 ± 0.18 and improved its sorption properties. It also increased the soil organic matter content from 5.6 ± 0.21 to 6.4 ± 0.22 g Corg kg−1 and of K and Zn. The higher level of biogas digestate significantly increased switchgrass yield to 5.15 ± 0.26 t ha−1. The lower application rate of biogas digestate resulted in forage yield of 4.30 ± 0.20 t ha−1 comparable to that obtained after mineral fertilisation (4.33 ± 0.22 t ha−1). Following application of mineral fertilisers and the higher level of biogas digestate, the number of panicles per plant (150 ± 2.49–157 ± 0.6.17), panicle height (107 ± 1.98–114 ± 2.08), crude ash content (61.2 ± 0.43–65.5 ± 0.38) and protein content (106 ± 0.59–92 ± 1.11) in the switchgrass biomass from the first cut were higher than in the case of unfertilised soil (110 ± 3.81, 93 ± 1.32, 55.5 ± 0.40, 80.3 ± 0.37). The use of mineral fertilisers and biogas digestate increased the content of protein, P and Mg in biomass from the second cut. The results suggest that the use of digestate improved the physicochemical properties of highly acidic soil and increased the yield of switchgrass forage without diminishing its nutritional value.

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